Mr. David Wayne Guenther, age 82 of Lafayette, Georgia, formerly Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the local emergency department.

Mr. Guenther was born in Zumbroto, Minnesota on October 21, 1943, son of the late Bernhard Joseph Guenther and Dorothy Therese Laque Guenther. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country for over 27 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Guenther was a good husband, father and master piddler. He enjoyed collecting Die Cast John Deere Tractors and going to swap meets. Mr. Guenther had attended the Lafayette First Baptist Church and was of the Catholic Faith.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Guenther was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerald Guenther, Robert Guenther, Bernie Guenther and Mike Guenther; and a grandson, Kenny Brown.

Mr. Guenther is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Guenther; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Peggy Hooper; daughters and son-in-law, Beverly Hooper and Linda and Mike McCrary; sisters, Marie Robinson, Eileen Bauers and Betty Miller; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Mr. Guenther will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with his son-in-law, Mike McCrary officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.

Mr. Guenther’s family will meet and receive friends following the memorial service Sunday.

Ms. Fredie Mae Elrod White, age 96, of Cartersville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Cartersville Crossing.

Ms. White was born January 2, 1930, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Fred B. Elrod and Teriah Bynum Elrod.  She was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Cartersville, and prior to her retirement, worked as a supervisor with Lawtex.  Ms. White loved her family who referred to her as “the best cook in the world.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by all of her siblings as well as a granddaughter, Toni White.

Survivors include her son, Gary White; daughters, Theresa Pinson and Elizabeth Ann White; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Summerville Cemetery with Mr. Jim Little officiating.

There will be no visitation and those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to gather at Summerville Cemetery prior to the time of service.

Mrs. Mary Lucille Mason Wood, age 90, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. Wood was born December 17, 1935, in Jamestown, AL, daughter of the late William “Bill” Mason and Bessie Crane Mason.  She was a longtime member of the West Summerville Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed as a caregiver in the home healthcare industry.  Mrs. Wood loved roses and she enjoyed baking, with coconut cake being her specialty.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Tucker, Cledia Wood, and Sue Phillips.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Wood; sisters, Joyce (Ray) Burke, Judy Tucker; and her special caregivers, Tammy Tucker and Carlton Jackson.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn Ezell officiating.  Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Jamie Tucker, Shannon Tucker, John Tucker, Gilbert Laney, Casey Evans, and Chuck Wood.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Ezell, Carlton Jackson, Jimbo Burke, and Stacey and Bill Womack.

Mrs. Wood will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.

Mr. Donald Stephenson Groce, “Steve”, aged 83, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away early Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. Steve was born in Summerville on September 6, 1943. He was a devoted husband for 54 years, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Steve was a kind and generous man who treated everyone with warmth and respect. His kindness touched not only those he worked alongside, but also his friends and neighbors. He will be remembered for the compassion shown to others and the lasting impression left on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Family was the heart of his life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow, cheering them on in their sports, celebrating their academic achievements, and supporting them in all they pursued. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Vera Groce, and his brother, Wayne Groce.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Lindsay Groce; son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Laura Groce; daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Tod Crane; grandchildren Emma Crane, Will Groce, Lila Groce, and Michael Crane; sister Joyce Parker; several nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Kelli Veatch, Sonya Ledford, Betty Corbin, and Mollie Corbin.

Steve was a member of the last class of Summerville High School in 1961. He went on to graduate with a degree in Risk Management from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Steve began his professional career as a business educator and baseball coach at Chattooga High School in Summerville. Following a move to Lake City, Florida, he continued to teach business education and served as head baseball coach and an assistant football coach for the offensive line and quarterbacks. He was especially proud to have been part of the coaching staff of the Columbia High School Fighting Tigers when they won the Florida Class A State Football Championship in 1967. After returning to Summerville, he began working at Georgia Rug Mill where he later became Plant Manager. In 1979, he served as Vice President of Bigelow Canada in Saint-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec Province. The family returned to Georgia for him to serve as Plant Manager of the Lyerly Bigelow-Sanford Plant. In 1986, he was presented with the Beacon of Quality Award for his work in the carpet industry. Following this honor, he was recruited by Allied Signal Fibers in Dalton to serve as a Technical and Textile Engineer where he remained until his retirement in 1999. While at Bigelow, he enjoyed playing softball with the Georgia Rug Mill team. He was also an avid golfer who spent many happy hours on the golf course with friends. He was especially proud of his remarkable seven holes-in-one throughout the years.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Casey Bramlett officiating. Interment will be at the Summerville Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Will Groce, Michael Crane, Rick Chesley, Wes Maddux, Dee Windle, Jack Ledford, and Andy Stivers. Honorary pallbearers, Donnie Baker, Rusty Dooley, “Lefty” Norton, Jerry “Dink” Willingham, Mike Wilson, Everett “Porky” James, Ronnie Land, Bud Reynolds, Harry Barnes, and “Monk” Grover. Mr. Groce will be in state at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service hour on Sunday.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

Mr. Howard Leon “Tooster” Ward, age 75, of Cedar Bluff, AL, died Monday, September 21, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Ward was born February 7, 1951, in Trion, GA, son of the late Sandy Howard Ward and Margaret Montrey Lea Ward.  He was Baptist by faith, and prior to his retirement, was self-employed in the heating and air industry.  Mr. Ward cherished his family and loved music and gardening.  He also enjoyed mechanic work, fishing, and rabbit hunting.  Mr. Ward was also a veteran of the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Uvon “Bonnie” Ward.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Ward; sons, Brian (Jennifer) Ward, Arnold (Sylvia) Ward; a daughter, Angela (Lee) Dobyns; brothers, Ray Ward, Sam Ward, Rick Ward; sisters, Annette (Ron) Steward, Terry Easton, and Mary Dillard; grandchildren, Gabrielle White, Cassandra White, and Jaxon Ward; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 26, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Reynolds officiating.

Mr. Ward will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.

MRS. EDNA EARL (PARKER) KENDRICK, age 89, of Highway #100, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026 at Her residence. A native of Summerville, Georgia, She was born to the late Earl Parker and Viola Chandler Parker on April 13, 1937. Mrs. Kendrick was a member of Summerville First Baptist Church and had taught Sunday School for 30 years. From 1995 until 2005, She owned and operated The Lookout Restaurant at Cloudland and later a secretary for Karastan-Bigelow in Lyerly. She Loved visiting and spending time with Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and also enjoyed spending time with her Brothers and Sisters. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by husband the late John Robert Kendrick and sister, the late Carolyn Lockhart.

Surviving are daughters, Joy (Dave) Nichols, Bonnie (Randy) Steward, and Amy (Jonas) Cox; grandchildren, Jennifer Nichols, Jessica (Ro) Mendoze, Lance (Elaine) Nichols, Levi (Brittany) Nichols, Persephone Cox, Rosemary Cox, Aaralyn Cox, and Micah Cox; Ten Great Grandchildren; siblings Ann Brooks, Becky Meadows, Jenny (Eugene) Mitchell, Jo Buice, Jack (Ruth) Parker, Jim (Mary) Parker, Sandra Hudson, Ken (Martha) Parker, Lynn Webb, Marsha (Tom) Booker; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday (September 22nd) at 4:00 P.M. from the Summerville First Baptist Church with Rev. Stanley Smith, Dr. Paul Mason, and Dr. Randy Clayton officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Pallbearers will be Lance Nichols, Levi Nichols, Daniel Nichols, Scottie Buice, Randy Steward, Jonas Cox, Heath Mitchell, Steve Kendrick, and David Reynolds; Honorary Pallbearers, the Fideilis Sunday School Class of Summerville First Baptist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Edna Earl Parker Kendrick, who passed away Saturday.

Michael David Elrod, age 65, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away on September 18, 2026. He was born in Summerville, Georgia, on August 21, 1961, to the late Milton and Amalene Elrod.

Michael was a remarkably hardworking and talented man who took great pride in everything he did. He began his working career as a skilled machinist, developing a craft that remained an important part of his life long after he changed professions. Michael had an extraordinary ability to understand how things worked. If he needed something, he could often design it, build it, repair it, or find a way to make it work with his own two hands. His resourcefulness, determination, and craftsmanship were admired by all who knew him.

For more than 40 years, Michael proudly owned and operated M. Elrod Trucking, Inc. Through years of dedication and countless hours on the road, he built much more than a successful business—he built a reputation for dependability, honesty, and hard work. He had a lifelong love for trucks, and over the years, he cherished the two Peterbilt’s that were such a special part of his life. They represented more than just vehicles to him- they were a source of pride, memories, hard work, and many miles traveled. He was recognized for driving more than one million safe miles during his career and traveled through 44 of the continental United States and into parts of Canada, making friends with every mile along the way. Michael never met a stranger, and the friendships he formed throughout his career were a testament to his kindness, character, and genuine interest in others. He was deeply respected within the trucking community and leaves behind a legacy of excellence that cannot be measured in miles alone.

As proud as Michael was of his work, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and stepfather, and a proud grandfather. Michael did not simply tell his family how to live—he showed them through his example. He spent countless hours teaching the boys how to hunt, fish, work on vehicles, solve problems, and do a job the right way. Most importantly, he taught them the value of honesty, responsibility, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

Michael gave his family more than practical knowledge. He gave them his time, guidance, protection, and a lifetime of memories. He was someone they could depend on, learn from, laugh with, and look up to. He showed his love through the things he did each day, and the lessons he passed down will continue to guide his family for generations.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jolynn Elrod; his son, William Elrod; his stepsons, Jackie (Ashley) Carter and Scott (Jennifer) Seaman; his grandchildren, Harley Carter and L.J. Carter; and beloved members of the family, Grace Dooley, Jerry Cook and Wallace Cook who have shared a special place in his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Renae (David) Franklin; his father- and mother-in-law, Ricky and Carol Joy; his sisters-in-law, Anna (T.C.) Scott, Teresa (Bobby) Caron, and Suzanne (Troy) Bennage; his brother-in-law, Ricky (Miriam) Joy Jr.; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of good friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Elrod Wills; his brothers-in-law, Stewart Wills and Glenn Gilmore; and his granddaughter, Harper Seaman.

Michael leaves behind a life defined by love, strength, skill, and unwavering dedication. He will be remembered for the pride he took in his work, the friendships he made along the road, his remarkable ability to build and repair almost anything, and the steadfast love he gave his family. The miles he traveled were many, but the lives he touched were even greater. His example, his wisdom, and his love will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Elrod will take place at 2:00 PM Monday, September 21, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery with William Elrod, Scott Seaman, Preston Stephenson, Mike Lanier, Ethan Ray, Randy West, Jerry Cook, and Dirk McCommas serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wallace Cook and Marty Ruby.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 12:00 noon until the service hour.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home.

Mrs. Debbie Sue Durham, age 69 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Durham was born in Lafayette, Georgia on July 1, 1957, daughter of the late John T. Kirby and Mable I. Brown Kirby. She was a homemaker and had previously been employed with Pruitt Hosiery. Mrs. Durham was an amazing cook and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Durham was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman “Shotgun” Durham; 3 brothers and 11 sisters.

Mrs. Durham is survived by a son, Jeremy L. Jones; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Russell Peace; sister, Joyce Gentry; grandchildren, Brianna N. Jones, Branden Salas, Johnathan(Alexis) Ash, Ryan Peace (Lauren Forsyth), Amber Peace and Emily Peace; great grandchildren, Braxton Bradley, Aubrey Peace, Cameron Dowdy, Presley Ash, Johnathan “J.J.” Ash, Jr., Branden Salas, Jr. and Shyanne Salas; special friend, Miss Charlotte and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In accordance with Mrs. Durham’s wishes, she will be cremated and the family may hold a memorial service at a later date.

Mr. Forney Wes “John” Smith, Jr. age 72 of Trion, Georgia passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at his residence.

John was born in Walker County, Georgia on March 29, 1954, son of the late Forney Wes Smith, Sr. and Alma Lee Brown Smith. He was a member of the New Hope North Baptist Church and was retired from Shaw Industries. John was the bass player for the Southern Express Band. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being outside, hunting, and fishing. John enjoyed fixing things and gardening, but his favorite activity was spending time with his grandbabies.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Childers and Dorothy Carroll; a brother, Jimmy Smith; a special sister-in-law, Kim Laymon; and a great granddaughter, Jenna Moore.

John is survived by his wife, Tonia Blessing Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Shanna Ware; daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Mark Mann, Savannah Laymon and Tasha Blessing(Tim Franklin); brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Linda Smith; sisters and son-in-law, Ann Pettyjohn and Lynne and Scott Noel; grandchildren, Holly Stanley, Autumn Moore, Eli Mann, Lexie Young, Kensleigh Gordy, Emily Young, Willow Ware, Madison Franklin, and Lillianna Franklin; great granddaughter, Annalise Mann; and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for John will be held Friday, September 18, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Spears officiating.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.